Communication in intensive care settings: the challenge of futility disputes. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • In intensive care settings, suboptimal communication can erode family trust and fuel so-called "futility" disputes. Presenting a teaching case used by >225 hospitals participating in the Decisions Near the End-of-Life program, we identify critical communication challenges and opportunities. We emphasize that good communication requires not only clear and sensitive language but also clinician self-awareness, psychological insight, and an institutional culture that promotes good communication with families. The article concludes with two examples of steps institutions can take to foster good communication between families and healthcare professionals.

publication date

  • February 1, 2001

Research

keywords

  • Communication
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Critical Care
  • Family
  • Medical Futility
  • Professional-Family Relations

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0035116747

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/00003246-200102001-00003

PubMed ID

  • 11228567

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 29

issue

  • 2 Suppl